Monday, June 11, 2012

Tempted to Spend Money for Father's Day

Pushcart Market, 1939

With Father's day coming up,  most of us think about shopping. This has seriously tempted me to spend, or I should say . . .  waste. . . money.

Why is it so easy to go into any mall, or department store, and buy a present? Yet, at the same time, it siphons hard earned cash out of the home's funds. 

When I was growing up, we children bought our father his favorite snack foods.  One of us was elected to head to the corner store, and buy "Dad's Root Beer" and "Circus Peanuts."  Every single year, we gave him those items as a rare treat.   We would never have imagined going into a big store and buying him an expensive gift.  Father's day wasn't like Christmas. We didn't think that way. It was a special day to honor our Dad. It was not about money or gifts.  We used that day to be extra nice to Dad. (smiles)  We might watch his favorite program with him. But mostly we were well-behaved and let him rest. We would try to treat him like the King of the house.    We children didn't have much  money, and we never thought money could be used to honor Him. Money didn't bring honor.  It was our thoughtfulness, and kind words, and affection that honored Dad.

This year, we have a new tradition.  I am planning to make a homemade lemon meringue pie for my Dad.  This is a rare Treat!  It is Dad's favorite kind of pie.    We will also spend part of the afternoon watching a western with him on television.   This was something we children grew up doing. When Dad rested on a Saturday afternoon, we would sit and watch a western with him, just to be together.  This year we will eat lemon meringue pie, like it was a thanksgiving afternoon, and watch "Shane."

Being together, and being thoughtful, on Father's Day is far more important than what money could ever buy.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives-

A Culture that Forgot the Importance of - Mother's Labors.

What My Aunt Taught Me - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.

Lessons from the Old Days - Building our Homes with Little Money.



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6 comments:

Rhonda said...

I baked 4 kinds of cookies for my dad. Packed them in reused tins and frozen. He can just take them out and eat as he desires. He has a real sweet tooth and will love this gift.

Cathy said...

I always think someone's favorite treat or food is a great gift.

Anonymous said...

What a breath of fresh air! Thank you for this great reminder to do the things that matter most, rather than buy a tacky mug or t-shirt. xx

Sue said...

I agree with it should be about honoring not spending money! I'm so glad I saw your post. I think I'll make a pie too for my husband. He loves them!!

Sue

visiting from http://journeying-sue.blogspot.com/2012/06/mission-complete.html

Unknown said...

What a fantastic reminder that Father's Day (and Mother's Day) should focus on honoring your parent ... not spending a lot of money.

m said...

So true! Special days are meant for time together, things are not what makes the day! It's the moments in the day! Thank you for sharing! Stoppin by from simplyhelpinghim.com